Social Media

65% of Internet Users Paid for Digital Content [STUDY]

Approximately two-thirds of Internet users — 65% — have paid to access or download digital content, according to a recent survey conducted by the Pew Internet and American Life Project.

The results indicate that music, software and apps were the most popular purchases among a group of 755 Internet users surveyed between October 28 and November 1. Digital music and software were tied at 33%, while 21% of survey respondents said they bought apps for their cellphones or tablet computers.

Meanwhile, 18% said they have paid for digital newspaper, magazine or journal articles. This is a number somewhat higher than the amount of users who paid for TV shows and movies, digital photos and e-books. Only 7% paid for podcasts, while 5% paid for access to services like online dating sites. The survey addressed 15 different kinds of online content; 6% of those responding said they paid for other types of material not mentioned on the list.

The survey also yielded some other notable findings: 23% of Internet users pay for subscription services, versus the 16% who pay for downloading a file or the 8% who pay to access streamed content. In addition, most Internet users (66%) tend to use only one method of access and payment.

Here's a proper breakdown of the survey results, followed by a graph that shows the number of online content types purchased by Internet users:

33% of Internet users have paid for digital music online.

33% have paid for software.

21% have paid for apps for their cellphones or tablet computers

19% have paid for digital games.

18% have paid for digital newspaper, magazine, or journal articles or reports.

16% have paid for videos, movies, or TV shows.

15% have paid for ringtones.

12% have paid for digital photos.

11% have paid for members-only premium content from a website with other free material.

10% have paid for e-books.

7% have paid for podcasts.

5% have paid for tools or materials to use in video or computer games.

5% have paid for “cheats or codes” to help them in video games.

5% have paid to access particular websites such as online dating sites or services.

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